By Stephanie Balloo
Copyright birminghammail
Police have shared the dramatic ‘aftermath’ of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour as off-road bikes were recovered and crushed. A total of ten bikes were destroyed today, Tuesday, September 9, as police warned those who ride them illegally: “We will seize them and they will be destroyed.” Two of the bikes were seized from Friar Park and Gallagher Retail Park in Wednesbury – which was identified as a hotspot area in Sandwell for off-road bike activity. Read more: Major disruption as cars collide at rush hour and drivers told ‘find other routes’ “Today, we have crushed a number of off-road bikes including two from the Wednesbury area,” said Sgt David Eeles, from Wednesbury Neighbourhood Team. “These bikes were being ridden in a dangerous manner. If you are caught riding an off-road bike illegally, we will seize them and they will be destroyed.” Police said when they seize an off-road bike, efforts are made to issue a seizure notice to the owner. The owner then has 21 days to claim the vehicle before it is disposed of. If an owner can’t be identified the vehicle is disposed of after 14 days of being seized, West Midlands Police said. Over the spring and summer, police have held a number of off-road bike operations, with “intensified activity in identified hotspots.” A recent operation targeted activity around the Friar Park, Yew Tree and Hatley Heath areas. Officers recovered a stolen bike from a canal in Tipton, seized an illegal e-bike and reported the rider for no licence and insurance. A rider was also reported for an incorrect licensing plate. PC Lucy Diment, innovation and Prevention Officer for Sandwell Police, said: “Over the summer months we have received more reports of illegal off-road bike activity. “Thanks to reports from the community, we have tailored our patrols to specific locations and time when you have told us you notice an increase in off-road bike activity. “It’s not just a nuisance in the neighbourhood – riders are at risk of injuring themselves and others by driving in a reckless manner.” Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council added: “We are determined to ensure everyone can enjoy our parks and other outside spaces safely, without the nuisance and danger of off-road vehicles, including motorbikes. “We work closely with Sandwell Police and are supporting their operations to tackle this nuisance. Together we gather and use all information to track down these individuals, and we use our CCTV cameras in key hot spot locations. It is important that people continue to report and share any information that will help us tackle this nuisance. “We have also installed equipment at key locations to stop bikes from accessing land illegally. If people don’t follow the rules, they face having their vehicle seized and crushed.” To report illegal off-road bike activity, please call 101 or contact police via Live Chat on the force website. You can report a range of anti-social behaviour to Sandwell Council by reporting online or by calling 0121 368 1166. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to give information anonymously.
